Anesthesia

They tell me that I suffer from major double double depression. It has to do with the ups and downs of my mood swings. I have been on medications for years without any outcome. But I have been under anesthesia for two different surgeries. A few months ago I had five teeth pulled and a couple of years ago I had my gallbladder removed. After both surgeries 90% of my depression disappeared for about 3 weeks each time. Anyone else have this kind of experience? I so want to try anesthesia again.

That's fascinating. I've never heard of that before. How long was your recovery time for those procedures? I know that when I had some teeth pulled (I wasn't put under), the weekend I spent recovering was less depressing than normal. But that might have been the pain medication they gave me afterwards, as well as being expected to do nothing and just take it easy.

But you feel pretty certain it was being put under that kicked you out of the funk?

Ketamine is known to have that affect, I believe they're trialling it for depression? Not sure about any other drugs they use, but I guess it's possible? I was "okay" for once after I had my gastric sleeve and also when I had my lapband removed, so I know exactly what you mean. I was still depressed just... Very mildly depressed and sort of "normal".

I know that it was. This was not a high but a chemical thing in the brain. I did not take my pain med so I know that was not it. Anesthesia the way I understand leaves the body quickly.

This is me. But my confusion is so bad I can't complete the smallest of jobs. But after I have been out for a short time everything is very clear to me. Yes they are testing Ketamine but that is not what I had taken. Versed was the latest one. I don't remember the first time but I do have the records. It is like day and night to my depression. I want more.

I've been under general anesthesia a handful of times for outpatient procedures, but I do not recall experiencing any lifting of the depressive cloud.

This is a subject worth investigating. Thank you for raising it.

Hi old friend, For me it was not a lift but a miracle. People do not understand how depression works within me. I am always so confused that I can not function. After anesthesia the confusion is not there. It is gone. I can do more work in one hour than I can in a month. I would like to try it again but watched with my psychiatrist. This cure or what ever last about 3 weeks.

Thanks Fuzzybear.......

I just had ketamine therapy this month and for the last four days my severe depression and anxiety was lifted so much I could actually move again which I could barely do for years. I am treatment and drug resistant and have been on at least 20 meds. But it doesn't work on everyone. Also it is very expensive (I pay $650.00 per treatment and I may have to have a treatment every month). I wish anyone who decides to try it success.

Ketamine injection works for me, but very expensive

I'm interested in the connection. I know when I'm physically ill my depression goes away (weird I know) but have never heard or experienced it with anesthesia (was under recently). Interesting.

Yes, I have been put under twice. In the 18 years of fighting depression I felt better. Almost a 90% better after anesthesia. I haven't felt 10% better at best. The good feelings last about 3 weeks. You can sure feel when it is leaving you and depression is coming back.

Thanks Fuzzybear.

Hello Have Faith. Where are you getting your treatments? I have found only one place and they want $4000.00 a treatment every 3 weeks. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Sorry it took me so long to get back to you.

Do the injections put you out?

Hello Have Faith, If you get back here could you please help me out with your knowledge on this treatment. I am so sick of depression and I have seen no way out until I was under.

AFAIK, Ketamine when used for depression does not put you out. I inquired about doing clinical research, but sadly really couldn't bring myself to do it (ironically)...The study was for Ketamine to be used when those who feel suicidal end up in the ER...also it would have been administered by an anesthesiologist.

Apparently, there are Ketamine therapy clinics, but maybe not where you are....I know the effects are not permanent, but any relief is good relief.

I have commented here before about Tramadol. I was prescribed it for pain after a surgical procedure...I was totally astounded that my depression lifted (I know what depression-free feels like as I didn't have depression until 9-ish years ago.)
Tramadol didn't make me "happy" (like stoned-from-drugs happy), but it did something to lift the depression...

This is a way that things like this will get noticed....by us talking about it.

Between the end of WW II and the early Vietnam era , low dose opioid therapy was a mainstay treatment for mood disorders, just because doctors have forgotten or never learned this doesnt make it any less true or beneficial.

Be your own advocate , ask your doctor about it,they will probably think your kidding, don't be !
Talk about it , think about it , keep an open dialog .

You can't truly give informed consent about a treatment plan if your doctor doesn't know about it and tell you about it. Anyone who treats me at this point has already learned "I am an expert on anything that has impacted my life or friends in any way " and will evaluate all my options not just the one the doctor talks up , all decisions regarding your care are yours , doctors are just consultants ,if you hired a plumber and he broke your toilet worse than it was ,would you pay them ? And use them again , so don't do that with your doctors .

In a survey of 1000 doctors and nurses just released they agree that empowered patients are helpfull, that's what I am talking about ! Knowledge is power .

Nevermind, now it's Nov 15th and it did not work...

I actually found out by accident recently that Kaiser Permanente health insurance actualy covers Ketamine treatments in California.

Have faith the mood elevation can be short its also been found to loose effectiveness the more times it is done , so its much like many other drugs known, you will forever chase the boost / high that you first experienced with diminishing returns , but scientist are feverishly working to isolate the mood elevating properties into a safer med that hopefully people will be able to P.O..